TAMPA, Fla. (WWSB) – A Tampa man was arrested after police said he intentionally injured a family member’s Chihuahua, leading to the dog’s death.
Christopher Malone was arrested May 12 and charged with aggravated cruelty to animals, according to the Tampa Police Department. He was taken to Orient Road Jail.
Christopher Malone was arrested May 12 and charged with aggravated cruelty to animals, according to the Tampa Police Department. He was taken to Orient Road Jail.(Tampa Police Department)
Officers responded around 10 p.m. May 4 to a home in the 3100 block of West Cordelia Street. Police said the investigation found Malone was intoxicated when he intentionally inflicted a fatal injury on Rufus, a 6-year-old Chihuahua weighing about 4 pounds.
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The dog had walked past Malone before the injury happened, police said.
A later investigation by Hillsborough County Animal Control found Rufus died from blunt force trauma, according to police.
“The depravity required to intentionally harm a defenseless, four-pound animal is deeply disturbing,” Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said. “This was a senseless act of violence against a family pet that offered nothing but companionship. Our hearts go out to the family who lost their beloved dog in such a tragic way, and we are committed to ensuring this individual is held fully accountable for his actions.”
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